On July 27, California's 29th hydrogen refueling station opened in San Ramon. The station was built by the Linde Group, which is their third in California. According to the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the station will take place in the near future.

The new hydrogen station in San Ramon, CA, built by the Linde Group. Source: California Fuel Cell Partnership.

On August 18, the state's 30th retail hydrogen refueling station opened in the city of Torrance. The station is owned by Shell, and was upgraded to a public hydrogen station with funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. It is the only hydrogen station in the U.S., and one of the few in the world, to be fed by a hydrogen pipeline.

The upgraded Torrance Shell hydrogen station, now open to the public. Source: CaFCP

FuelCell Energy Announces New Long Island Power Authority Projects in New York Totaling 40 MW

On July 26, FuelCell Energy announced the award of three fuel cell projects totaling 39.8 megawatts of electricity by the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) Long Island through the Fuel Cell Resources Feed-in Tariff (FIT IV). Through the FIT IV program, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) in New York will purchase electricity generated by the fuel cell projects under twenty year power purchase agreements. FuelCell Energy will install, operate and maintain the fuel cell power plants.

According to FuelCell Energy, the three projects awarded by PSEG are: an 18.5 MW installation of five SureSource 4000 Power Plants near the Brookhaven Rail Terminal in Yaphank; a 13.9 MW combined heat and power installation in Brookhaven of three SureSource 4000 power plants, one SureSource 3000 plant, plus an absorption chilling system to provide thermal energy to a neighboring business; and a 7.4 MW installation in Yaphank of two SureSource 4000 power plants.

For a link to the full press release from FuelCell Energy, click here.

Hawaii Breaks Ground on 1st Hydrogen Refueling Station

On August 2, construction of Hawaii's first hydrogen refueling station officially began. At a ground breaking ceremony in Honolulu, the station's owner Servco Pacific said that construction should be completed in early 2018. Once operational, Servco Pacific will begin selling the Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle to the public, which can then be refueled at the station.

Flanked by a Toyota Mirai, Governor David Ige (D-HI) speaks at the ground breaking ceremony for the Servco Pacific hydrogen station in Honolulu. Source: the Associated Press

According to Servco, the company is funding the station's construction on its own, with no outside grants or government assistance. According to Pacific Business News, hydrogen for the station will be produced onsite via water electrolysis.

The Associated Pressreported on the station's ground breaking ceremony; for a link to the full article, click here.

Bloom Energy Signs 37 Megawatt Installation Agreement with Equinix

On August 16, the American data center company Equinix, Inc. announced the signing of a fifteen-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Bloom Energy, and a subsidiary of Southern Company. Under the PPA, Bloom Energy fuel cells will be installed at twelve International Business ExchangeTM (IBX) data centers in the United States. The twelve new installations will bring the total number of Equinix IBX data centers powered by fuel cells to fifteen, generating over 40 megawatts of provisioned power.

Funding for the project comes from Southern Company, which recently entered a strategic partnership with Bloom Energy to support onsite fuel cell installations. According to Equinix, the fuel cell project will allow the company to avoid 660,000 tons of carbon emissions and save 87 billion gallons of water that would have been used by natural gas or coal-fired utility generation.

Bloom Energy fuel cells deployed on the Equinix Great Oaks campus in California, as part of a previous pilot program. Source: Equinix

The CEOs of Bloom Energy, Equinix, and Southern Company discussed their new agreement, and the economic and environmental benefits of fuel cell technology, on the August 16 episode of CNBC's
Squawk Box. To watch the full video, click
here.

First Hydrogen Refueling Station in Massachusetts Gets Final Approval

On August 23, the Mansfield, Massachusetts Board of Selectmen gave the final approval for a hydrogen refueling station, to be located at the town's Stop and Shop supermarket gas station. The Mansfield Patch reports that the station, a joint project with Stop and Shop and Air Liquide, is planned to open in the next month or two.

Once open, the station will be the first of its kind in the state, and one of the first in the country outside of California.

Last month, Nuvera helped celebrate Boston's first hydrogen fuel cell bus at a press event with local and state government officials. A blog post on Nuvera's website from August 9 explains that the fuel cell bus - funded by Nuvera and the Federal Transit Administration - was featured as part of a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) event showcasing new additions to their bus fleet. The fuel cell bus and hydrogen station built to refuel it were launched in 2016.

On August 9, the California Energy Commission (CEC) awarded grants to Shell Oil Products US for the construction of seven new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle refueling stations in northern California. The grants, totaling over $16 million, will help fund three stations in San Francisco, one in Walnut Creek, one in Berkeley, and two in the Sacremento area.

The CEC has now funded the construction of sixty hydrogen stations statewide, with twenty-nine currently in operation.

On August 17, Hyundai held a special preview event in Seoul, South Korea, for the near-production-ready version of its next-generation Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV). The official launch of the still-unnamed SUV model is expected in early 2018.

According to Hyundai, the new FCV will have an efficiency rate of 60%, which is 9% higher than the current generation Hyundai Tuscon Fuel Cell. Hyundai claims that the new FCV will have a driving range of 580 kilometers (360 miles) on a full tank of hydrogen fuel.

The near-production-ready version of Hyundai's next-generation FCV, on display at a special preview event in Seoul. Source: Hyundai

In addition, Hyundai announced that the company will unveil a new hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus in the fourth quarter of this year.

For a link to the full press release from Hyundai, including more information on the technical and design specifications of the next-generation FCV, click
here.

Mercedes-Benz Confirms New Hybrid FCV Concept to Appear at Frankfurt Auto Show

On August 21, Daimler confirmed that they will be displaying a fuel cell plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the Frankfurt International Auto Show this September. According to Daimler, the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL EQ Power has a long driving range and short hydrogen fueling times with locally emission-free driving.

On August 9, Toyota and Seven-Eleven Japan announced an agreement for studies on hydrogen fuel cell delivery trucks. According to Toyota, the studies will examine the feasibility of trucks that run on a fuel cell powertrain, and a refrigeration/freezer unit that can also be powered by a fuel cell.

In addition, Toyota and Seven-Eleven Japan are considering stationary fuel cell power generators for stores as part of a larger energy management system. Both companies aim to contribute to the feasibility of a low-carbon, hydrogen society through these studies.

On August 8, Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Motor Group's auto parts manufacturer, has completed a new factory capable of mass producing parts for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The new plant, located in Hyundai's vehicle parts complex in the South Korean city of Chungju, is slated to begin test operations in September.

According to Yonhap,the 70 billion won ($62.2 million) plant has the capacity to produce 3,000 complete fuel-cell powertrain modules per year.

On July 31, the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) announced the start of a new research program to spur the development of a "hydrogen society" - a set of communities with sophisticated, integrated, green-energy networks powered by mini-hydrogen plants. The TMF seeks projects that demonstrate progress in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and lowering the cost of hydrogen by 2030.

According to the TMF, the new hydrogen society initiative will last five years. During the first year, the TMF will solicit proposals from applicants from both universities and public sector institutions in Japan. For years two through five, TMF will open the program to accept proposals from across the world, outside of Japan.

On August 18, the United Kingdom's Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) launched a new Hydrogen Transportation Program (HTP) to support the roll out of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and hydrogen refueling stations in the country.

The HTP will provide
£23 million (about $29.5 million) in funding over two stages. The first stage, which is accepting applications through October 16, will commit up to £9 million (about $11.5 million) with 50:50 matching funds for seven hydrogen refueling stations plus captive fleets. The second stage, which will begin accepting applications in December 2018, will commit up to £14 million (about $18 million) for 10 hydrogen refueling stations plus captive fleets.

For more information on the HTP, including instructions on how to submit Stage One applications, click here.

On August 18, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) released their "2017 Annual Evaluation of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Deployment and Hydrogen Fuel Station Network Development" report. One of the highlights of the report is the number of registered fuel cell vehicles on the road in California, which was 1,609 as of April 5, 2017. The full report can be viewed
here.

The California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) is holding a public webinar to discuss the ARB report. The webinar will take place on Tuesday, August 29 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, PT.

Linde Subsidiary BOC to Collaborate with CSIRO on Australian Hydrogen Project

On August 22, BOC, a subsidiary of the Linde Group, announced that they will be collaborating on a hydrogen fuel production project with the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). In May, CSIRO announced the beginning of a two year, 3.4 million AUD (about $2.7 million) membrane reactor project that will convert ammonia to high-purity hydrogen for use in fuel cell vehicles. Under the collaboration agreement, BOC will supply ammonia, equipment, and technical expertise to CSIRO to assist in the project.

BOC engineers and CSIRO research team kick off planning at CSIRO's Pullenvale site in Brisbane, Australia. Source: BOC

FCHEA members Toyota and Hyundai have given their support to the CSIRO project as well.

Dozens of State Legislators Test Drive Toyota Mirai at NCSL Summit in Boston

On August 6, dozens of state legislators from across the country got to experience the 2017 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) first-hand at the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Boston.

Representatives from FCHEA and Toyota were on hand to discuss the next generation, zero-emission vehicle, and guide the state legislators on test drives around the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

In addition to the Ride and Drive event, state legislators were able to learn more about fuel cell technology at the Summit's Task Force on Energy Supply from a presentation provided by FCHEA President Morry Markowitz. FCHEA also had a booth at the Summit's exhibitor hall throughout the week.

FCHEA would like to thank Geri Yoza, Toyota North America's Fuel Cell Vehicles Manager, for all of her help in organizing and implementing the Ride and Drive.

Federal Program Update

Senate Confirms Deputy Energy Secretary

On August 3, the United States Senate confirmed Dan Brouillette as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), the second highest position in the Department. Brouillette was confirmed by a vote of 79-12, and is the second DOE official confirmed by the Senate for the Trump Administration so far.

Brouillette previously served as DOE's Assistant Secretary for congressional and intergovernmental affairs under President George W. Bush from 2001-2003. He also served as a member of the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board from 2013 to 2016, and as chief of staff for the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Three presidential nominees for DOE positions are still waiting for Senate confirmation. Nominees for an additional seventeen DOE positions have yet to be announced by the White House.

For a link to the full article from
The Hillon Brouillette's confirmation, click here.

On July 25, the Department of Energy's Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO), located within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, hosted a public webinar on Carbon Fiber Composite Material Cost Challenges for Compressed Hydrogen Storage Onboard
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles.

According to FCTO, a recording of the webinar will be available soon. A link to the slides from the webinar can be found
here.

Upcoming Events

DOE to Host H2@Scale Working Session at 2017 Fuel Cell Seminar on Tuesday, November 7th!

Join DOE in Long Beach for a Deep Dive into

Hydrogen Production and Utilization

The U.S. Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO), in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, will be hosting an H2@Scale working session at the Fuel Cell Seminar and Energy Exposition (FCS&EE) on Tuesday, November 7 in the afternoon.

This H2@Scale working session will provide a deep dive into the concept of wide-scale hydrogen production and utilization to enable energy security, grid resiliency, and extensive benefits across multiple sectors.

FCTO will also discuss the funding available for partnerships with national laboratories to advance the H2@Scale concept.

It's not to late to book a booth in the exhibit hall or sign on to sponsor a reception, breaks, or create a custom sponsorship package that includes registrations, exhibit space, and more. Contact us at fuelcellseminar@fchea.org for more information.

The official conference hotel is the Renaissance Long Beach, directly across the street from the FCS&EE area of the Convention Center. Be sure to secure your discounted room rate at https://www.fuelcellseminar.com/hotel/.

NEESC ARPA-E Investments in Hydrogen Technology Advancements Webinar

Electrochemical technologies will play a vital role in developing sustainable processes and infrastructure for energy storage, transportation, and manufacturing. Hydrogen, produced by electrolysis, can serve as a vehicle fuel, is a chemical feedstock for production of ammonia, is used in industrial processes, and is a compound for conversion of carbon dioxide to higher value chemicals. In addition, hydrogen for advanced energy storage can play a key role in modernizing the nation's electric grid to enable the integration of renewable energy, improve operating capabilities, enhance reliability, allow deferral of infrastructure investments, and provide backup power during emergencies.

Government support and investment in research and development efforts have been critical to the advancement of electrochemical technologies in the marketplace. Proton OnSite has been involved in several ARPA-E-supported programs that have yielded advancements in hydrogen technology, including electrolysis, flow batteries, and carbon dioxide capture and conversion to ammonia.

This presentation will provide an overview of investments made by the Federal government through ARPA-E that have led to hydrogen solutions for advanced energy storage, with an emphasis on hydrogen-iron flow batteries.

This webinar is a presentation of the Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC), and will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST.

As part of the Kenya Solar Power and Energy Storage Reverse Trade Mission, USTDA will host a one-day Business Briefing at its Business Center in Arlington, VA, on September 26, 2017. This event will provide a forum for the delegates to share information with U.S. companies on their needs, upcoming procurements, and plans for solar and storage development in Kenya. One-on-one meetings between the delegates and U.S. companies will be arranged.